Keraia
Mark 6

Mark 6:48

Jesus Walks on Water · Mark 6:45–52
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Translations

Modern
He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,
Traditional
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
Literal
And having seen them straining in the rowing—for the wind was contrary to them—about the fourth watch of the night, He goes to them, walking on the sea, and He was wanting to pass by them.
Latin
Et videns eos laborantes in remigando (erat enim ventus contrarius eis) et circa quartam vigiliam noctis venit ad eos ambulans supra mare: et volebat præterire eos.

Interlinear

Greek
English
He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,

Notes

Mark 6:48

  • About the fourth watch of the night: This was about three o'clock in the morning. This Roman way of telling time suggests that Mark wrote for Christians in Rome.

  • Mark does not explain how Jesus saw his disciples struggling in the middle of the lake at night. It is not important to the story.

  • Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea: It seems Jesus came to rescue them from the storm. But Mark says that Jesus intended to pass by them. Many have tried to explain this, but perhaps the best explanation is that to pass them by refers to a divine appearance. This is similar to events in Exodus and 1 Kings, where divine glory is shown. The disciples' fear supports this idea, as fear often accompanies divine appearances.

  • Many have tried to explain the miracle of Jesus walking on water. But Mark, Matthew, and John saw it as a miracle without a natural explanation. If Jesus is truly the Son of God, there needs to be no other explanation.

Mark 6:45–52

This story shows the glory of Jesus (his divine power and greatness) to the disciples (6:48–50). It is also a rescue story, because Jesus comes to help them in danger (6:47–48, 51).

At the same time, it shows that the disciples did not understand what was happening (6:51–52).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 14:22–33 John 6:16–21

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Heal, Healing Mark, Gospel of Miracle Night Sea Sea of Galilee Watch

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Walking on the Lake Jesus, the Christ: Walks on the Lake (Lake Galilee) Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Walks Upon Lake Galilee Ship: Oars Time: Division of, Into Watches